Viagra® (sildenafil) is an oral medication taken as needed to treat erectile dysfunction.
Viagra® (sildenafil citrate), a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, is an oral medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) by increasing blood flow to the penis. It is taken only as needed, usually about an hour before sexual activity, though it can be effective if taken between 30 minutes to four hours prior.
It is very important not to take Viagra more than once a day, as exceeding this frequency increases the risk of serious side effects, including vision loss and significant drops in blood pressure.
Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is indicated to treat:
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
The drug category for Viagra is phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor.
Most common adverse reactions (≥2%) include:
Headache
Flushing
Indigestion
Abnormal vision
Nasal congestion
Back pain
Muscle pain
Nausea
Dizziness
Rash
Administration of Viagra to patients using nitric oxide donors, such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form
Known hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any component of tablet
Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, saquinavir, erythromycin)
Patients should not use Viagra if sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status
Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours
Patients should stop Viagra and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
Patients should stop Viagra and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing
Caution is advised when Viagra is co-administered with alpha-blockers or anti-hypertensives
Decreased blood pressure, fainting, and prolonged erection may occur at higher sildenafil exposures
Boxed Warning not available for this drug.
The cost of Viagra® may vary depending on factors such as your insurance plan, the dosage, quantity, and where you buy it.
Without insurance, the average retail price of Viagra is between about $65 to $140 per tablet, but coupons and discount cards are available that may bring down the cost, including savings cards by the drug’s manufacturer.
Hims offers eligible patients access to Viagra starting at $139 per use, while generic sildenafil (which works exactly the same as Viagra) starts at $4 per use. A provider must first determine if the product is appropriate for you based on your symptoms and medical history, which are submitted through the platform. Prescriptions through Hims include free shipping and unlimited messaging with your provider.
There are other medications prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Some of these drugs may be better suited to you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Viagra, talk with your provider to learn more about other medications that may work well for you.
Other oral medications that can treat ED include:
Stendra® (avanafil)
Vardenafil
Chewable ED meds available through Hims that contain one or more of the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis
Penile injection medications for ED include:
Caverject® or Edex® (alprostadil)
Papaverine
Phentolamine
Combination medications such as Bimix, Trimix, and Quadmix
As an alternative or addition to ED medications, your healthcare provider may suggest therapy for mental health issues that may be contributing to ED and/or lifestyle changes to support sexual health, like following a healthy diet, exercising, and cutting back on alcohol.
Other treatments for ED include a topical gel, a penis pump with or without a constriction ring, penile implant surgery, and testosterone therapy (if low testosterone is a contributor).
For best results, take Viagra 30 to 60 minutes before sex. Keep in mind that foods high in fat can slow down your body’s ability to absorb Viagra, meaning the drug may take longer to work and produce less noticeable results.
Viagra lasts for about four hours after taking the medication.
The available Viagra doses are: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg. The typical starting dose is 50 mg, but your provider may adjust the dose up or down depending on the severity of your ED and how you respond to the drug.
Viagra and sildenafil are virtually the same. Viagra is the brand-name version of sildenafil. Research shows both to be effective treatments for ED, but Viagra is more expensive and may look different in terms of its pills and packaging appearance.
It’s possible to take Viagra daily, but it may not be right for everyone. You should never take more Viagra than has been prescribed by your healthcare provider.
You can get a prescription for Viagra after being evaluated by your primary care provider or a specialist who can determine if the medicine is right for you based on factors like your symptoms and medical history.
Hims offers access to Viagra if you’re deemed eligible for treatment by a healthcare provider. Hims connects you with a provider who will determine if Viagra is a good fit based on your symptoms and medical history. If approved, you’ll receive your medication in discreet packaging directly to your doorstep.
*This information is from the label for brand name Viagra®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient sildenafil.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.
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